Mobile Bay (CG 53) - Naval Cruise Book

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ADVENTURE . ■ ' , J»TISH|ID Hey. Where ' s the sign for May port? ITji iHiiid II ijlf ' v MOBILE BA Y shares prime real estate with the cruise ships in Nassau. The Nassau Straw market provided many inexpensive gifts.

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CARIBBEAN The Queen ' s staircase built in I 793. The 66 steps were carved from soUd rock by slaves in St. Thomas. The beautiful port of Charlotte Amalie pro- vides the gateway to St. Thomas. Following CSSQJ. MOBILE BA Ys port cal ls in Puer- to Rico, St. Thomas. Virgin Islands, and Nassau. Baha- mas, was a schedule most cruise ships would envy. Island tours, diving and snorkeling trips, golf, and sports competitions were organized. For most MOBsters, it was the first visit to these Caribbean retreats so sightseeing and shopping for souvenirs were popular pastimes. In the midst of all the entertainment and relaxation in Nassau. MOBILE BA Y sailors provided volunteer assistance to a local children ' s emergency hostel. Over 75 MOBsters volunteered for minor carpentry and plumbing repairs, interior and exterior painting, and some major yard work. Materials, as well as la- bor, were provided by the MOB and an afternoon cookout was a real treat for the orphans. Our volun- teers left with that feeling of satisfaction which comes with knowing you have unselfishly helped someone in need. Below: Freedom ' s Flagship gently rides the hook off St. Thomas. The Skipper explains the VLS system to American Ambassador Hallet and her staff

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Cleanest ship seen . . most complete CSMP found by the Board in seven years . most profes- sionally run Supply Department witnessed in two years . . . Auxiliary Division best ever inspected Such were representative comments made by members of the Washington Board of Inspection and Survey (INSURV) during their December 1987 Final Contract Trial (FCT) inspection of MOBILE BAY. Headed by Rear Adm. John D. Bulkeley. the Board conducted MOBILE BAYs FCT as the final settlement point for the cruiser ' s construction con- tract. Essentially. FCT INSURV is an in-depth, mi- croscopic snapshot of how well ship ' s force is maintaining their billion dollar warship. And. as we have throughout our first year, the MOB came away in top flight style. INSURV is one of the most arduous challenges a ship faces and the superb results received by MO- BILE BA Y were produced by incredible MOBpower which, once again, set the standard. And this is where we hide the oily rags. FINAL CONTRACT How many OBA canisters will I need??? No, no, no there. I liked it much better over The MOB goes out to strut her stuff.